Ceiling fan

ABSTRACT

A ceiling fan having a motor for rotating a spider with the spider designed to support a plurality of blades for rotation. The spider having a plurality of outwardly extending arms with each blade secured at its root end to at least a pair of the arms.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119

to provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/390,468, filed Oct. 6, 2010, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a CEILING FAN for use in residential and business establishments.

In view of the many styles and types of ceiling fans currently available, there is always room for an improved ceiling fan that can be made more efficiently, at reduced costs, and operate with improved efficiency. Additionally, there is always a need for ceiling fan designs which can be readily modified to a wide range of styles and shapes with little additional capital expense in setting up the facilities to make these fans. Further, there is a need for ceiling fan designs in which the design utilizes fewer components that are likely to become loose, broken or misaligned, as frequently happens, during the constant use of these fans.

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a uniquely designed ceiling fan having multiple blades conveniently secured at their root ends in fixed relation to one another by a spider which is adapted to support multiple blades of selectively different sizes and shapes.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a ceiling fan construction which is inexpensive to manufacture and assemble and which is made of simply fabricated components for assembly and mass production. A further object of the present invention is to provide a simple ceiling fan construction that is sturdy in design and which may be constructed in varying selected styles and embodiments with different numbers of blades in different embodiments. One further object of the present invention is to provide an improved ceiling fan in which the blades are secured together in fixed relation in a secure manner.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention has a variety of embodiments which principally include: a rotatable motor suspended from a ceiling with a plurality of rotor blades having proximal or root ends and distal ends. A spider integrally connected to the motor is formed with a plurality of outwardly extending arms secured to the motor for rotation therewith. The blades are each positioned with corresponding portions of the root ends preferably in a common plane and second portions thereof extending angularly outwardly. Means are provided for securing one portion of each blade to an arm of the spider and the second portion to another arm of the spider for support thereby.

The foregoing general configuration allows for a wide range of modifications and embodiments which are described in greater detailed hereafter and which provide means for achieving the above-enumerated objects of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the underside of one embodiment, also shown in FIGS. 2 to 23, of the ceiling fan of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the ceiling fan in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the ceiling fan in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan detail view showing the disposition of the fan blades;

FIGS. 6-9, inclusive, are cross-sectional views taken respectively along the lines 6-6 through 9-9 of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 10-12 are longitudinal, cross-sectional views of the blade taken along line 109 of FIG. 5 with the blades illustrated at different angles depending upon how they are secured to the spider;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a blade having a constant curve cross section;

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-section of the blade with a constant curve cross-section taken along line 109 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 15 is an axonometric illustration of two faced integrated spider brackets;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary, detailed perspective illustrating the blades engaging the two faced integrated spider bracket;

FIG. 17 is an axonometric view of the underside of the mounting plate;

FIG. 18 is an axonometric exploded fragmentary view of a mounting plate, two faced integrated spider bracket shaft and gravity lock securing ring;

FIG. 19 is a plan sectional detail of the two faced integrated spider bracket shaft;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional elevation of the mounting plate.

FIG. 21 is a perspective cut-away detail of a gravity lock’

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional detail of the gravity lock along the line 22-22 of FIG. 20;

FIGS. 24-27, unless otherwise noted, are views as hereafter described of a second embodiment in which: FIG. 23 illustrates a vertical section detail of the engaged mounting plates or blades with a two faced integrated spider bracket securing the blades; FIG. 24 is a perspective detail of the underside of a ceiling fan of FIG. 23 with the light fixtures; FIG. 25 is a plan detail thereof of the ceiling fan with light fixtures; FIG. 26 is a vertical sectional detail thereof illustrating structural members engaging the blades and with an integrated light fixture; FIG. 27 is an exploded, perspective downward axonometric view of the upper and lower bodies of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 23-27.

FIGS. 28-30 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention in which FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the underside of a ceiling fan with flat blades; FIG. 29 is a partial, vertical cross-sectional detail of a mounting plate with a two faced integrated spider bracket and attached blades; FIG. 30 is a perspective detail illustrating a common spacer, angled top and bottom flanges, and corresponding flat angle blade of the embodiment of FIG. 28.

FIGS. 31-36, inclusive, illustrate a further embodiment featuring integrated, lighted fan blades and in which FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the underside of a ceiling fan with integrally attached lighted blades; FIG. 32 is a vertical, cross-sectional detail illustrating elements for conducting electrical current to the lighting features; FIG. 33 is an exploded, fragmentary detail illustrating components for transmitting electricity from a source to the blades; FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional detail showing the leading edge of the blade with an LED strip associated therewith; FIG. 35 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a leading edge illustrating an LED wire between a master and slave LED strip; FIG. 36 is a fragmentary plan section of a leading edge showing the LED strip light and related components.

FIGS. 37-40 illustrate a further embodiment having a minimum number of blades and in which FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the under side of a ceiling fan with three blades secured thereto; FIG. 38 is a fragmentary detail of the underside of the ceiling fan which illustrates a minimum number of blades; FIG. 39 is an axonometric view of a two faced integrated spider bracket with appendages to accommodate three blades;

FIG. 40 is a fragmentary, partial vertical cross section detail illustrating a spider members and engaged fan blades;

FIGS. 41-69, unless otherwise noted) illustrate a still further embodiment having a maximum number of blades associated with the fan and in which:

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a ceiling fan having a maximum number of blades;

FIG. 42 is a perspective detail of the upper side of a fan with a maximum number of blades;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the top of a blade used in the embodiment of FIG. 41;

FIGS. 44 and 45 are respectively longitudinal sections of a blade used in the embodiment of FIG. 41 and FIG. 45 is a longitudinal section taken along the line E109 of FIG. 43.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a blade of the embodiment of FIG. 41 having a consistent cross sectional configuration.

FIGS. 47-50 are cross sectional views of the blade taken along the corresponding respective lines of FIG. 46.

FIG. 51 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 41 of an extended blade with a constant curve;

FIG. 52 is an exploded, partially fragmented perspective detail illustrating structural members and components of the fan blades of the embodiment shown in FIG. 41;

FIG. 53 is a top plan detail illustration illustrating the spider bracket and fan blade of the embodiment in FIG. 41;

FIG. 54 is a fragmentary top plan view illustrating the details of the blade distribution;

FIG. 55 is an axonometric view of the spider bracket of the embodiment shown in FIG. 41;

FIG. 56 is a top plan view of the spider bracket of the embodiment shown in FIG. 41;

FIG. 57 is a bottom plan view of the spider bracket shown in the embodiment of FIG. 41;

FIG. 58 is an axonometric view looking upwardly at the mounting plate of FIG. 41;

FIG. 59 is a top plan view of the mounting plate of FIG. 41;

FIG. 60 is a bottom plan view of the mounting plate of FIG. 41;

FIG. 61 is an axonometric view illustrating the tops and sides of the LED light dome fixtures;

FIG. 62 is an exploded axonometric upwardly directed view of the LED inverted dome light and concave lenses;

FIG. 63 is a top plan view of the common spacer used in the embodiment of FIG. 41;

FIG. 64 is a bottom plan view of the common spacer of FIG. 63;

FIG. 65 is a side view of the common spacer of FIG. 64;

FIG. 66 is a front view of the common spacer of FIG. 64;

FIG. 67 is a rear view of the common spacer of FIG. 64;

FIG. 68 is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of structural members and the engaged fan blade;

FIG. 69 is a further fragmentary partial cross sectional view illustrating the components of the embodiment of FIG. 41.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

FIGS. 1-23 (Inclusive)

FIGS. 1-23, inclusive, illustrate an embodiment of the present invention having four blades 100. These blades may be made of a rigid, planar material that is either opaque, translucent or transparent in composition. The blades 100 have a profile as hereinafter described. The blades 100 each have distal ends 100 a and proximal ends or roots 100 b. The blades in this and other embodiments are each secured at their proximal end 100 b to a spider 200 illustrated in FIG. 3. The dimensions and specific shape of the spider 200 varies in the different embodiments but serves essentially the same function of interengaging the drive means with the like blades. The spider 200 is secured to a mounting plate 400 shown in detail in FIG. 17. The mounting plate 400 is comprised of a disk 401 (FIG. 17) with a downwardly projecting shaft 402 at its center. The downwardly projecting shaft 402 is hollow and open at both top and bottom ends. A plurality of outward projecting stud-like posts 403 serve as the male-half of a gravity lock 206 (FIG. 15). These stud-like posts 403 are located on the outer face of the downwardly projecting shaft. The disk 401 of the mounting plate 400 should have sufficient mass and weight to appropriately balance and secure the unit to the rotating body of the fan 700. The spider 200 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 15 is formed with a center shaft 205 with a hollow center open at both ends. Radially projecting from the center shaft 205 are a plurality of arms 204 equal to the number of blades that are to be used in the particular embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated, there are four arms 204 extending outwardly to support four blades 100. At the ends of the outwardly extending arms 204 are vertically oriented spacers 201. The spacers 201 at the end of each of the arms 204 are preferably parallel to one another. Disc-like flanges 202 a and 202 b are respectively located and secured or integrally formed on the upper and lower ends of the arms of space elements or spacers 201. A thru-hole 203 extends through the length of each spacer 201 and its respective ends' flanges.

As shown in FIGS. 4 thru 14 and 23, a blade 100, shaped according to the following description, is made of a rigid planar material that is either opaque, translucent or transparent in composition. The blade is shaped with a reverse “S” profile 101 (FIG. 5), at its root end which is the end nearest and facing the mid point of the overall diameter of the ceiling fan and a flat profile 102 at its tip face which is the end furthest and facing away from the mid point of the overall ceiling fan diameter. The flat profile at the tip is pitched at an angle that does not exceed 90 degrees to the horizontal. The transition from the “S” profile 101 at the root end to the flat profile at the tip 102 starts at one quarter the length of the blade from the root end and is complete when at the flat tip face 102 of the blade. This insures that in an outward direction moving away from the root end of the blade the first quarter of the length of the blade holds the reverse “S” profile constant and the last three quarters of the blade has a continuous transition between the two aforementioned profiles.

The reverse “S” profile provides a level area immediately behind the leading edge of the blade and a level area of equal size immediately forward of the trailing edge as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9. Immediately behind the leading edge level area is a concave shape and immediately forward of the trailing edge level area is a convex shape. The concave and convex shapes meet midway along the reverse “S” profile, this midway point corresponds with the long axis 109 of the blade. The long axis 109 is level from root to tip.

Other embodiments of the blade are possible. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates the embodiment previously described except the long axis center line of the blade 109 extends upwardly. In FIG. 11, the long axis center line 109 extends downwardly. In FIG. 12, there is no level area in the forward ¼ of the blade and transition from the reverse-S profile to a flat profile across the full length of the blade. In FIGS. 13 and 14 the reverse-S shape continues along the full length of the blade with no transition from root end to tip and taper along a majority of the trailing edge so as to offer the concave portion of the reverse-S as a principal service for movement along the outer portion of the blade.

As noted, the blades 100 are attached to the spider 200. The assembly of these blades may be best viewed in FIGS. 2-5, inclusive. In this particular embodiment, there are four blades but as can be noted in other embodiments, more or fewer than four blades attached to a spider are possible. In those arrangements, modifications of the spider or the attachment mechanisms are necessary due to the dimensional configurations of the particular embodiment and the number of blades in use.

In this arrangement, each of the blades are provided with a pair of through holes 107 spaced apart and located near the root end of the blade. In the embodiment illustrated, the blades have an “S” profile as illustrated. One of the through holes 107 extends through the leading edge of the blade and the other at the trailing edge of the blade. The holes 107 of the leading edge of each of the blades lie essentially on a common plane. The holes 107 on the trailing edge of each plane lie on a different spaced plane from the first. The distance between these two planes are positioned to engage the spider. In this arrangement, the holes 107 are aligned with through holes 203 in the disc-like flange 202 a and 202 b (FIG. 15). These flanges extend laterally from the vertically oriented spacers 201 with the spacers 201 extending normally from the radially projecting arms 204. As illustrated, there are four arms 204 (FIG. 15) designed to support the four blade fan arrangement. In this arrangement, each blade has one through hole aligned with the upper end of a through hole 203 extending in one arm and the other hole 107 in the trailing edge extending into alignment with a through hole 109 of an adjacent arm. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the hole 107 of the lead edge of each blade 100 is aligned with the upper end of the spacer 204; while the trailing end of the blade 100 is aligned with the lower end of the spider arm extending from the next adjacent shaft 205. Thus each blade is secured and supported by the spider at two spaced positions at the leading edge of the blade secured to the spacer 201 of one arm 204 and the other trailing edge secured at the hole 107 to the next adjacent arm 204. The various components described may be secured by the assembly best illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 3. In this arrangement, bolts 300 extend downwardly through the holes 107 into the spacer arm 201 with these bolts 300 secured appropriately by washers and nuts in a conventional, standard fashion. The arrangement as described is also best shown in FIG. 16.

The integrated spider bracket secured to the mounting plate 400 is also illustrated by reference to FIGS. 15-23. The spider 200, shown in fragmentary detail in FIG. 18, is secured to the downwardly projecting shaft 402 of the mounting plate 400 which extends into the center shaft 205 of the spacer and is secured thereto by a threaded ring 208 which is located at the bottom opening of the center shaft 205 to prevent the gravity lock from disengaging. Vertically-oriented channels 206 a to c are recessed into the inside wall 205 b of the center shaft 205. The shaft 205 formed with the L-shaped keyholes 206 interengages and is locked to the studs or male counterparts 403 which form the outside face of the downwardly projecting shaft 402. The studs 403 correspond in number to the reverse L-shaped channels 206 b so as to provide a valid interlock between the spider bracket 200 and the mounting plate 400 (see FIG. 20).

To engage the gravity lock 206, the integrated spider 200 is raised so that the inside face of the center shaft 205 b slips over the bottom end of the downward directed mounting plate shaft 402 with the posts 403 on the outside of the mounting plate shaft 403 aligned vertically with the top opening of the entry channel 206 a. The integrated spider 200 is raised until the lowest posts 403 makes contact with the bottom of the entry channel 206 a. While the mounting plate 400 or rotating body of the ceiling fan 700 is stationary, the integrated spider bracket 200 is rotated counterclockwise until all posts 403 makes contact with their corresponding outside corners of the reverse “L” shaped channels 206 b, the integrated spider bracket common spacer 200 is allowed to descend until all posts 403 make contact with their corresponding semi circular top ends of the reverse “L” shaped channels. The threaded ring 208 into the threaded bottom 207 at the inside face 205 b of the center shaft 205 to prevent the gravity lock from disengaging should any component of the ceiling fan be jostled or struck by a foreign object.

As illustrated, the various blades are locked and secured to the spider bracket, spacer 200 as best illustrated in FIG. 16. Each blade 100 is secured to two adjacent spacers in spaced relation to one another. As illustrated, the root 100 b of each blade is secured to adjacent spacers 201. Each blade 100 is secured on one side at the lower end of a spacer 201 as illustrated at 202 b and in view of the S-shaped configuration of the blade on the upper side of the spacer 201 as illustrated at 202 a. The proximal ends of each of the blades 100 have a cross-sectional configuration in the shape of an “S” with one side of each blade secured to a different spacer 201.

FIGS. 24-27, inclusive, are similar in some respects to the embodiment described in FIGS. 1-23 with like numbers identifying like components. The embodiment of FIGS. 24-27 embodies an integrated central light fixture into the system. The components in this embodiment is slightly modified to accommodate the light fixture in an efficient fashion. The integrated light fixture includes a light fixture 500 which in turn includes the lower body 501 of the light fixture, the lens shelf 501 a, the upper body of the light fixture 502, an upwardly directed fastening collar 502 a (FIG. 27), and a lens shelf 501 a, which secures the lens 507 below the lamp 508. Spring clips 506 secured at one end on the inner surface of the lower body 501 engage the upper body 502 of the light fixture through apertures 502 c, with the spring clasps 506 engaging the upper body to secure it in position. Conventional wiring is provided to provide an electrical connection between the lamp 508 and its socket through wiring extending through the common support shaft 600 which, in turn, extends upwardly to secure the fan assembly to a ceiling from which the fan is suspended. In this arrangement, the like numbered components or components prefixed with the letter “A” are corresponding to similar numbers in the embodiment described to in FIGS. 1-23. The embodiment with this light fixture includes a modified integrated spider bracket member with shorter arms A204 to compensate for the wider shaft. The wider shaft A205 is provided to accommodate for the light fixture as shown in FIG. 26. Additionally, the mounting plate members, including the top plate A401 and the shaft 402 are slightly modified in shape and size.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 24-27, inclusive, are otherwise similar in construction to the preferred embodiment described above, with the blades 100 secured by bolts and through holes in adjacent, spider arms A204, as illustrated.

A further embodiment is shown with flat pitch fan blades. This embodiment is best shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 in which the flat pitch blades include a flat pitch fan blade B100, a modified common spacers B201 which are modified to accommodate the difference in shapes for the fan blades. The upper flange B202 a is also modified and angled to accommodate the difference in direction of the fan blade, itself, as is the modified lower flange B202 b. Accordingly the flanges B202 a are angled non-perpendicularly from the spacers B202 b to lay flush with the flat blade which as seen in FIGS. 29 and 30 are not perpendicular to spacer B201.

The embodiments of FIGS. 31-36, as indicated, illustrate another embodiment featuring integrated lighting blades. In this configuration, the upper support 1100 is secured by a conventional means to a ceiling. Extending downwardly from this upper support is a conduit or hollow shaft 1000 which accommodates the electrical wiring extending down from the ceiling, as well as providing support for the unit as a whole. In the specific embodiment shown, there are provided four rotors or blades 100 extending radially outward and in orthogonal relation to one another from a common spider in a manner similar to the support for the blades of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23.

As illustrated in FIG. 31, the fan is provided with leading edges 1500, each formed with LED strips as described herein. The root ends of each of the blades (four in the embodiments shown) are secured in a manner consistent with the previously described embodiment. However, in the present invention, the spider is provided with shorter arms C204 to compensate for the wider diameter shaft. A wider shaft 205 also accommodates a system for non-rotating to rotating electrical hardware as illustrated. A mounting plate C401 (FIG. 33) is formed with a top base having a wider aperture that corresponds to the wider, downwardly directed shaft C402. The wider downwardly directed shaft C402 corresponds with the wider, two-faced integrated spider bracket shaft. As illustrated in FIG. 32, the wiring is fed downwardly through the hollow support shaft 600 where it is connected by conventional electrical means to convert the wiring system from a fixed wiring extending through the support shaft 600 to rotatable wiring with the wiring extending into the arms B204 of the spider. The wiring then extends into each of the blades through the arms B204 to feed the electrical LED system hereafter described. As illustrated, the blades B100 may be secured in a manner previously described by bolts and the like 300 to the blades. Each of the blades are modified to provide an integral wireway C100 in each blade or rotor (FIG. 36). A common spacer C201 for each arm has a greater interior cavity to accommodate the wire management. Through holes C203 a are provided in the upper flange of the common spacer C201 for an LED strip for the electrical feed. The leading edge 105 accommodates the LED strip with the cover at 15 transparent or translucent as best illustrated in FIGS. 34-36. As illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 34-36, wiring C203 a extends upwardly through the spacer A201 into the blade 100 with the wiring C203 a extending towards the outer or leading edge of the blade to a connection with the LED strip 1500.

As illustrated, LED strip light 1500 is secured to one of the edges of the blade 100 in the embodiment shown and preferably may comprise the leading edge, but other possibilities exist. A C-channel housing 1500 c is provided for the LED strip light. Power is supplied to the LED strip light by way of a slip ring 1501. In this arrangement, the non-rotating upper body 1501 a of the slip ring is assembled with the non-rotating midsection of body 1501 b of the slip ring with the lower rotating body 1501 c of the slip ring. These features are secured by conventional, non-rotating upper yoke in a manner conventional for slip ring configurations. A compressible upper bushing 1502 a with a knurled aperture is also provided. The aperture 1502 b and the top face of the non-rotating upper yoke is operatively associated with the rotating lower yoke at 1503. The compressible lower bushing with a knurled aperture 1503 a, the rotating lower yoke 1503, the compressible lower bushing with the knurled aperture 1503 a, knurled aperture at the center of the top face of the compressible bushing 1503 b, all interact to provide power from a fixed source to a rotatable source.

FIGS. 37-41 illustrate an embodiment with a minimum number of blades. In this embodiment, minor modifications are required to accommodate a fewer number of blades involved. In the embodiment, the blades may include features of an y one of the models previously discussed. Like components may be modified essentially like those previously discussed. In this embodiment, the through holes 107 of the spider (FIG. 38) are closer to the root edge of the blade. With fewer blades, the overlap of the blades occurs closer to the midpoint of the ceiling fan. The modified, two-face integrated spider bracket (FIG. 39) is provided with shorter arms D204 to accommodate for through holes being located closer to the root edge at midpoint of the ceiling fan. Otherwise the unit can be essentially made similar to those previously discussed.

FIGS. 41-69, unless otherwise indicated, illustrate a still further embodiment of the invention, having a maximum plurality of blades associated with a flange. While the embodiment illustrates simply a maximum number of blades, it should be noted the blades may, by engineering modifications, be modified to fewer than those shown and may be further modified to embody some of the features discussed in the prior embodiment such as a leading edge LED's for each of the blades or, alternately, a light source at the center. In this configuration, the extended tapered transitional cross-section fan blades 100 have a constant curve cross section as illustrated at E100 a. These are connected at the root end to a modified spider bracket and common spacer E200.

In this embodiment, the spider bracket and the common spacer are not integrally connected to one another. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 52, the mounting plate E400 is modified from the mounting plate previously described. It is positioned over and aligned with a bracket E200 which has significant modifications from the previously described bracket. The bracket E200 is formed with an exterior, peripheral wall E205 having a series of locking apertures E205 b shaped, sized and positioned to engage lock posts E403 in the short, locking channels E206 b which are shaped, sized and positioned to engage the lock posts E403, which this forms the male half of a gravity lock on the outer surface of the modified mounting plate E400. The modified mounting plate has a significantly wider diameter and shorter shaft for purposes of providing adequate support for the heavier array of multiple blades used in this modification. The spider bracket E200 is integrally formed with a series of projecting arms or legs E204 which are not radially positioned, but extend angularly depending upon the number of blades involved. Each of these legs E204 are short and provide fastening means for the common spacer. As illustrated in FIG. 53, the multiple number of blades illustrated are each provided with through holes E107 at the root end corresponding to the through holes 107 previously discussed. However, these through holes are aligned with through holes in the legs E204 for locking the blades as illustrated in FIG. 53 to the spider assembly. The locking mechanism may be achieved by conventional screws and bolts. In the illustrated embodiment, ten blades are provided and accordingly ten legs 204 are provided, with each leg interlocking the adjacent sides of adjacent blades at their root ends in a manner as previously described in other embodiments.

A wireway E600 with a cover plate secured by a set screw shaft 210 threaded through hole 211 to secure the shaft set screw E210 as provided. A perimeter flange E212 is formed at the bottom of the shaft and structural diagonal braces E213 between the outer and inner shaft walls (FIG. 52).

The blades are specifically secured to the spider bracket by means of “S” shaped extended shank shapes E201. In this arrangement best shown in FIGS. 63-67, inclusive, these extended “S” shaped shanks E201 are formed with an upper flange E202 a and a lower flange E202 b interconnected by the arm or shank E201. The upper and lower flanges E202 a and E202 b have surfaces parallel to one another and are designed to engage and support the blades as previously discussed. In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 63, conventional bolts are threaded through holes in the upper and lower flanges to secure the flanges to the adjacent surfaces of the blades E100 at their root end. In the embodiments illustrated, the upper flange may be provided with two through holes for securing bolts in their end. This arrangement of the modified spider bracket and common spacer provide additional means for supporting further blades of the arms E204 (FIG. 56) extending from the common spacer. The modified mounting plate E400 as described has a wider diameter and shorter shaft (FIG. 52). This increased diameter and the mounting plate accommodates wider spider brackets as illustrated in E401. The aperture at the top face of E401 a is also enlarged as illustrated in FIG. 58.

In FIGS. 61-69, there is an embodiment illustrating a ceiling fan with an inverted dome fixture wherein a dome light E500 is located within a dome light housing E501 (FIG. 61). The housing E501 is formed with reinforcing channels and wireways. A wireway aperture in the housing is provided at E501 b while feed connector access E501 c is provided for access by the wiring. The inner wall of the housing is illustrated in E501 d. LED light strips are illustrated in E501 e may be provided. The unit is provided with a concave lens E507 and a lens strip light E508. 

1. A ceiling fan comprising: a motor and means for supporting said motor from a ceiling, a plurality of blades, each having a root end and a tip end a spider having a plurality of outwardly extending arms positioned below and secured to the motor for rotation by the motor therewith, each blade having at least one portion of its root end lying in a common plane and means securing the root end of each blade to a plurality of spider arms.
 2. A ceiling fan as set forth in claim 1 wherein the root ends of the blades are coplanar and the tip ends non-planar with respect to the root ends.
 3. A ceiling fan as set forth in claim 1 wherein the spider arms are each provided with blade engaging members for securing the blade roots thereto.
 4. A ceiling fan as set forth in claim 2 wherein the tip ends of the blades are non-parallel to one another. 